Description

First published in 1905, this beautifully written narrative sets out the history of Britain in chronological order from the Romans to the death of Queen Victoria. Written specifically for children, this centenary edition with its short chapters, simple words, enthralling character descriptions and magnificent paintings from the Palace of Westminster, presents history as a series of vivid stories that will capture the imaginations of adults and children alike.show more

Review quote

Amanda Craig, The Times Children's Book Critic 'Probably the best history book for primary-school children ever written!' Sean Lang, Times Educational Supplement 'Our Island Story must rank as one of the most influential works of history of the 20th century.' "Its tight focus on the virtues of courage, wisdom and patriotism keep it both valuable and relevant." -Time Out. "Our Island Story is... cutting edge. With its brave mix of truth and myth, it is impeccably postmodern." - The Economistshow more

About H. E. Marshall

Very little is known for certain about Henrietta Elizabeth Marshall. She was born in Scotland in 1867, the third daughter in a family of six children, and was warden of Queen Margaret Hall in Glasgow from 1901-1904. She was in Melbourne when Our Island Story was published in 1905, in Oxford from 1905 until 1908, and in Redlands, California, USA from 1913 until 1917. All else about the author of Our Island Story remains shrouded in mystery save for her abiding legacy to the world. This consists of a remarkable series of children s books that she wrote, dealing, for the most part, with the history and literature of the British people at home and elsewhere in the world where they have settled in number. Her principal books, together with the dates each was first published, are Our Island Story: A History of England for Boys and Girls (1905); Stories of Robin Hood Told to Children (1905); Stories of Guy of Warwick Told to Children (1906); Stories of William Tell Told to Children (1906); Scotland s Story: A History of Scotland for Boys and Girls (1906); Stories of Roland Told to the Children (1907); Our Empire Story: Stories of India and the Greater Colonies told to Boys and Girls (1908); Stories of Beowulf Told to the Children (1908); English Literature for Boys and Girls (1909); A History of France (1912); Through Great Britain and Ireland with Cromwell (1912); This Country of Ours (1917); and Kings and Things (1937). Henrietta Marshall never married and had no children. However, the subject matter of her books and the gentleness of their style suggest she may well have been a governess or private tutor to young children. She died in London in 1941, having spent the last part of her life in straitened circumstances, but her genius as a storyteller and educator will live on for as long as boys and girls continue to be able to open the pages of her enchanting and informative books.show more